Evaluation of Particle Impact Conditions in a Sand Blast Type Erosion Test Rig

Abstract

For the prediction of actual damage to materials in plant components and in making the erosion mechanisms clear, it is important to define and to control the particles impact condition in a testing facility. A sand blast type erosion test rig, which can achieve the particle impact velocities over 120m/s and a wide range of impact angles has been constructed. A new method was proposed to determine particle velocities in this facility. The key factors in particle impact conditions of impact velocities and impact angles were examined. The theoretical velocity of particle calculated by the equations of particle motion were compared with the experimental results. Impact angles were controlled by using two types of specimen geometry, and erosion tests at an impact angle of three degrees could be conducted soundly. Although some spread particles were observed surrounding the central damage area of the specimen surface, the greatest amount of damage was concentrated in the center. As a result, it was found that particle impact conditions were well controlled in this testing unit.